MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Rutherford Weather) - Confidence is rapidly growing that Middle Tennessee will face its most significant winter storm in years this weekend. According to the latest data and a report from Bryan Barrett on Rutherford Weather, a long-duration event is set to begin Friday night, potentially paralyzing travel and bringing dangerously low temperatures to the region.
The Forecast: High Confidence for Major Impacts
In a recent weather briefing, Alex Sizemore, a Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nashville, joined Bryan Barrett to discuss the growing severity of the system.
"We have high confidence of at least three inches or more across Middle Tennessee, which is our winter storm warning criteria," Sizemore stated. "It’s looking like a slam dunk for a winter storm warning eventually."
While exact snowfall totals can fluctuate as the storm track shifts, the NWS is currently seeing a medium-to-high probability for significant accumulation that could rival record-setting events of the past. The I-40 corridor appears to be in the "heart" of the storm’s path.
Timing and Duration
This is not a "quick-hit" system; Sizemore noted it will be a "long-duration event," with impacts stretching from Friday night into early next week.
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Friday Night: Snow begins to break out to the west, moving into the Rutherford County area by midnight.
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Saturday: The peak of the event. Heavy winter precipitation is expected throughout the day and into the overnight hours, making travel highly discouraged.
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Sunday: Light snow may continue through the morning and afternoon, finally tapering off by Sunday evening.
The "Danger Behind the Storm": Extreme Cold
While the snow will create immediate problems, the temperatures following the front are equally concerning. Sizemore warned of "extreme cold" that will complicate recovery efforts and prolong hazardous road conditions.
"Temperatures in the teens and single digits are possible Sunday and Monday nights," Sizemore noted. "It looks like we may not get back above freezing until Wednesday afternoon."
This prolonged sub-freezing period means that any snow or ice on the ground will likely remain for several days, significantly impacting Monday morning commutes and air travel at BNA.
A Rare Event in Middle Tennessee
Bryan Barrett highlighted the historical rarity of a storm of this magnitude for the region. Double-digit snowfalls haven't been seen in Middle Tennessee since 1979, and even 8-to-9-inch events have only occurred a handful of times in the last 75 years.
Residents are urged to begin preparations now—ensure you have food, water, and emergency heat sources. With potential impacts ranging from treacherous road conditions to power outages if ice accumulation increases, the NWS and Rutherford Weather will be monitoring the track of the storm closely as it approaches.
